Valley Forge American Elm (Ulmus americana ‘Valley Forge’)

• Handsome Shade Tree
• Introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum
• Highly Resistant to both Dutch Elm Disease and Elm Leaf Beetle
• Showy, Vase-Shaped Elm
• Durable, Adaptable Shade Tree or Street Tree
• Corrugated, Dark-Green Leaves
• Beautiful Golden Fall Color
• Thrives in Urban Settings
• Tolerates Periodic Drought
• Cold-Hardy

Take a stand for the bold good looks of American Elm. We’ve seen a resurgence of interest in these beloved big shade trees, and are so pleased to offer advanced options to our customers.

With excellent disease resistance, Valley Forge American Elm (Ulmus americana ‘Valley Forge’) brings the traditional, vase-shaped Elm tree back into popular use.

You would know it anywhere. From the brawny trunk to the upright, arching branches with wide “u”-shaped crotches, Elm makes a commanding presence in the landscape.

Finely serrated, highly textured leaves are likewise recognizable. These oversized leaves are very dark-green and cast generous shade all season long.

Valley Forge grows larger than the other varieties we recommend. This is a strong, strapping tree for landscapers who want to make a statement.

Gather your family and friends to celebrate the Fourth of July under its optimistic branches. There is plenty of room to picnic in its shade.

Enjoy the vibrant golden fall foliage as nights start getting cooler. Valley Forge American Elm is a tree to be proud of all year-long.

The upright, arched branch structure looks great bare for winter, too. That’s one reason why Elm was used extensively as a popular street tree.

Valley Forge Elm can carry your landscape design as a single tree with a meaningful story of resilience and prosperity. Or, add it with mighty Oaks and broad-spreading Beeches to create a pastoral setting.

How to Use Valley Forge American Elm in the Landscape

You’ll enjoy the strength and beauty of these shade trees. Add one on the south or southwest of your property to cool your home in summertime.

Valley Forge Elm, like its namesake, lives large. Plan for its mature height and spread without pruning or skimping on space.

They look incredible in a grouping to grace roomy properties. Pair with other disease-resistant Elms, to create a collected focal point.

Alternate a Valley Forge American Elm with Pin Oaks along the length of your property. They’ll attain similar size, but will play off each other with beautiful contrasting colors in fall.

Try this technique along a long driveway, as well. Used in this manner, Valley Forge becomes a formal accent tree on commercial properties.

Go ahead and get people talking. Elms are back in a big way with Valley Forge.

Tips for Care

Keep your trees healthy with a planting site in full sun with at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Although they are widely adaptable, you’ll get best performance in well-drained soil.

Ensure your tree has plenty of air circulation and room to spread out. You can prune to correct in late winter, but you’d hate to have to disrupt their astounding Elm form with size control pruning.

Better to choose a more compact variety in small lots. Use Valley Forge American Elm where you have enough room for these impressive shade trees.

No matter which disease-resistant Elm you choose, be sure to add a packet of Nature Hills Root Booster to your order. Follow the directions when planting.

Our nursery teams swear by this time-tested formula. Among the ingredients is mycorrhizal fungus, which works with your tree’s tiny feeder roots to encourage optimal access to water and soil nutrients.

We recommend giving it a medium amount of supplemental water. You’ll keep your tree stress-free and healthy. Please, protect your investment, especially in times of drought.

Mulch is another helpful way to support your tree. Add a three-inch layer of mulch over the root system, then pull it back six inches from around the trunk.

Native trees give us so much, and these disease-resistant trees perform beautifully in the landscape.